How to Make Fire Roasted Tomatoes at Home

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8 minutes
May 20, 2024
RosieJump to Recipe

Try these simple fire roasted tomatoes for a low-carb, gluten and dairy-free dish. The Mediterranean kick pairs perfectly with the roasted flavor in this simple, 4-ingredient recipe. One of the easiest recipes on this site; you need only some tomatoes, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings. Not to mention this is one simple recipe that can improve so many future ones. Use the fire roasted tomatoes in your spaghetti sauce, salsa, or chili sauce, instead of using bought canned tomatoes, such as Rotel Fire Roasted Tomatoes.

fire roasted tomatoes

Fire Roasted Tomatoes FAQ

Before starting to prepare this 4-ingredient recipe, I wanted to clarify some of the most frequently asked questions about fire roasted tomatoes. So, first of all, read some basics about this easy recipe:

  • What is the flavor of fire roasted tomatoes? They taste sweet and subtly smoky right out of the can, instead of bitter and acidic like most standard canned tomatoes. So, fire roasted tomatoes are canned tomatoes that are fire roasted over an open flame to accentuate their flavor.
fire roasted tomatoes
  • What is the difference between fire roasted tomatoes and regular tomatoes? When it comes to roasted tomatoes, they are charred over a flame before they’re diced and canned (sometimes, they’re also enhanced with onion and garlic powder). In addition, often, you can actually see the blackened flecks on the tomatoes. Regular tomatoes are only chopped before the canning process.
  • How long are fire roasted tomatoes good for in the fridge? After roasting tomatoes and letting them cool to room temperature, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Also, you should place them in an airtight container before storing them.
fire roasted tomatoes
  • Are fire roasted tomatoes spicy hot? Fire roasted tomatoes are not naturally spicy but you can undoubtedly add seasonings in order to make them spicy. Try red chili flakes, diced chilis or other peppers to bring up the heat and transform these tomatoes into hot ones.

How to Make Fire Roasted Tomatoes at Home

Now, that we know some extra info about what fire roasted tomatoes actually are, it’s time for preparing this quick and easy recipe. The homemade roasted tomatoes are super easy to prepare, you’ll see! Not to mention that you will be able to use them in so many future recipes as a healthy substitute for canned tomatoes.

fire roasted tomatoes

Ingredient List

The two must-have ingredients for this recipe are tomatoes and olive oil. The seasonings and garlic are more than optional. You just have to decide for yourself what flavor profile you want and consider the purpose of these roasted tomatoes. If you plan to serve them as a side dish, add some seasonings and garlic, as you want them to be flavorful. However, if they will be an ingredients in some future recipes, like a tomato sauce, you can just simply roast them and add more seasoning when you use them in the future.

ingredients
  • 10 Roma Tomatoes (you can use any tomatoes you have in your kitchen, but these ones are full of that Mediterranean flavor); I used cherry tomatoes because the market had them on sale.
  • 1/2 cup olive oil;
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced);
  • 1 tablespoon of preferred seasonings (I used Italian mix and some smoked paprika).
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Homemade Fire Roasted Tomatoes Step-by-Step Recipe

Now, that you have all the ingredients for this fire roasted tomatoes, it’s time to learn the steps you should follow in order to achieve the Mediterranean flavor.

  1. First of all, wash and slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise. If using roma, beefsteak, or larger tomatoes you may want to cut them into at least quarters, or even smaller. If using cherry or grape tomatoes leave them whole or cut in half is fine.
sliced tomatoes
  1. Next, prepare a grill basket or grill pan with brushed-on olive oil. If using the oven method to roast your tomatoes, prepare a baking sheet. Also, in the second case, use some aluminum foil with nonstick spray to keep tomatoes from sticking to the baking sheet.
tomatoes and seasonings
  1. Preheat your oven to 450 or your grill on high.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil with the minced garlic, salt, and seasoning mix. Seasoning tomatoes is about your own taste. Many people prefer simple Italian spicing mix and salt, while others prefer the classic roasted flavor.
seasonings, olive oil, and garlic
  1. Then, toss the tomatoes in the oil and seasoning mix to ensure they are all well covered. Then, using a slotted spoon, remove the tomatoes from the seasoned oil and place the tomatoes on the prepared basket or pan with the sliced side up.
  1. Finally, depending on the cooking method you choose: grill the tomatoes until they are charred (several minutes) or roast them in the oven for 30-45 minutes, depending on their size.
  2. You can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra flavor. Just be careful to watch them so they don’t burn. Allow them to cool before serving.
tomatoes on the grill

fire roasted tomatoes

How to season them like Rotel Fire Roasted Tomateos with Green Chilies

So one of the most common brands of canned fire roasted tomatoes is Rotel. They are great and work pefectly in chili, soups and dips, like this queso recipe or this sour cream dip recipe or this quick Mexican chicken soup. If you want to go the extra mile and make the fire roasted tomatoes at home here is how to modify this recipe to do so.

The two main things you want to do is large dice your tomatoes and adjust your seasoning.

  1. Large dice your tomatoes. You want to do this so they are ready to use once roasted. If you dice them after they are more likely to get smashed. I strongly recommend using Roma or plum tomatoes.
  2. Adjust your seasoning. You want to season your tomatoes with:
    1/2 teaspoon of salt
    1/2 tablespoon of Mexican oregano
    1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
    1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  3. Add green chilies to the tomatoes with the seasoning and olive oil. You can add 1 can of diced green chilies, or for more heat, you can dice 1/4 cup of canned or jarred sliced jalapenos.
  4. Cook in the oven at 450 for 30-45 minutes until the tomatoes are nicely roasted. Since they are diced smaller, it is best to do these in the oven; they can be messy on the grill. You can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra flavor. Just be careful to watch them so they don’t burn.
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fire roasted tomatoes

How to Make Fire Roasted Tomatoes at Home

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Learn how to roast tomatoes for a simple side dish or for storing and using in other recipes.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 Roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon preferred seasonings I used Italian mix and some smoked paprika.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions

  1. wash and slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise. If using roma, beefsteak, or larger tomatoes you may want to cut them into at least quarters, or even smaller. If using cherry or grape tomatoes leave them whole or cut in half is fine.
  2. Next, prepare a grill basket or grill pan with brushed-on olive oil. If using the oven method to roast your tomatoes, prepare a baking sheet. Also, in the second case, use some aluminum foil with nonstick spray to keep tomatoes from sticking to the baking sheet.
  3. Preheat your oven to 450 or your grill on high.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil with the minced garlic, salt, and seasoning mix. Seasoning tomatoes is about your own taste. Many people prefer simple Italian spicing mix and salt, while others prefer the classic roasted flavor.
  5. Then, toss the tomatoes in the oil and seasoning mix to ensure they are all well covered. Then, using a slotted spoon, remove the tomatoes from the seasoned oil and place the tomatoes on the prepared basket or pan with the sliced side up.
  6. Finally, depending on the cooking method you choose: grill the tomatoes until they are charred (several minutes) or roast them in the oven for 30-45 minutes, depending on their size. 
  7. You can broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra flavor. Just be careful to watch them so they don’t burn. Allow them to cool before serving.
  • Author: Rosie
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

How to Store Roasted Tomatoes

After allowing the roasted tomatoes to cool completely you either serve them right away or save them for later. If you won’t be serving them right away, place them into a mason jar or other type of glass container with a lid. If you like you can cover them with additional olive oil and place them in the fridge. The additional olive oil will take on the flavor of the tomatoes and can be used for cooking or in dressings.

roasted tomatoes and olive oil

In addition, remember that fire roasted tomatoes made at home have no preservatives. Therefore, for the best flavor, use them within two weeks or transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Easy Video Recipe

I also prepared a video for this fire roasted tomatoes recipe as I find it the best way to learn how to prepare it. The steps are quite simple and the ingredients are affordable. Just watch the steps and instructions here and you’ll convince yourself that this is one of the best ways to replace store-bought canned tomatoes for any future recipes.

fire roasted tomatoes

Roast Them, Store Them, and Use Them!

All in all, here is the life-saving recipe for any future spaghetti sauce, chile con carne, or salsa sauce. This fire roasted tomatoes recipe is one of my easiest ways to replace canned tomatoes with an extra flavorful and healthy alternative.

Finally, don’t forget that your input on everything I write about is extremely valuable. It really helps me know what you think about my work and how you would improve my recipes, ideas, and advice. So, keep on asking any questions in the comments section. I will make sure to respond as soon as possible! Furthermore, feel free to share your experience with this roasted tomatoes recipe and all your advice on it. I am always super excited to hear from my beloved readers!

Last but not least, here are some recipes in which these roasted tomatoes would fit perfectly! Try replacing store-bought canned tomatoes with these homemade fire roasted tomatoes and let me know the result:

Rosie

Rosie is the proud owner of two rescue cats and her current obsessions are fitness, photography, and ethnic cuisine. Her mission is to share easy and scrumptious recipes that anyone, even the busiest of readers, can recreate.

2 comments

Jennifer Shaw
7 months ago

Would it be possible to can the fire roasted tomatoes rather store free or store in fridge? Adding vinegar or lemon juice of course and can using a water bath.

anthony
7 months ago

Hi Jennifer, yes if you are comfortable with proper safe canning techniques they can be canned as you would stewed tomatoes or salsa. I agree that you would want to add some acidity. I like to use red wine vinegar or lemon juice.

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